How to Pack a Parcel So It Doesn't Break — or Cost You Extra (Courier Packing Guide for India)
Step-by-step packing for couriers and Speed Post — so your parcel arrives in one piece and doesn't cost extra.
By CheckMyOrder Editorial TeamPublished Last reviewed 3 min read
Quick answer Use a strong, new corrugated box only a little bigger than the item, cushion all six sides (5 cm of bubble wrap or paper), make sure nothing moves when you shake it, seal every seam with "H" taping using 2-inch tape, and stick one clear label with the full address, PIN code and phone on the largest side. A smaller box also keeps the volumetric weight (and price) down. Couriers often won't pay for damage caused by poor packing.
हिंदी में: मज़बूत डिब्बा लें, चारों तरफ़ कुशनिंग रखें, हिलाने पर अंदर कुछ न हिले, H-आकार में टेप लगाएँ और पिन कोड व फ़ोन नंबर के साथ साफ़ लेबल लगाएँ।
6 steps to pack any parcel
- Pick the right box. Strong, corrugated, ideally new (old boxes lose strength). Leave about 5 cm around the item for cushioning — no more.
- Wrap the item. Bubble wrap or paper around the item itself; wrap separate pieces individually.
- Cushion every side. Fill the bottom, sides and top with crumpled paper, bubble wrap or air pillows.
- Shake test. Close the box and shake it gently. If anything moves, add more filling.
- "H" tape. Tape the middle seam and both edge seams on the top and bottom — the tape forms an "H". Use 2-inch packing tape, not cello tape.
- Label and photograph. One label on the biggest flat side: full address, landmark, PIN code, phone. Remove old labels and barcodes. Take a photo of the packed box — useful if you need to claim for damage.
Packing by item type
| Item | How to pack it |
|---|---|
| Clothes, books | Padded mailer or poly bag; put clothes in a plastic bag first against rain |
| Glass, crockery, idols, diyas | Wrap each piece separately, double box (small box inside a bigger one with cushioning between), mark FRAGILE |
| Electronics | Original box if you have it, inside a bigger outer box; remove loose batteries if allowed |
| Sweets / snacks | Sealed shop box inside a plastic bag; dry sweets travel better than milk sweets |
| Liquids (where allowed) | Tight cap + tape, inside a sealed bag, upright arrows on the box — ask the courier first |
| Documents | Waterproof envelope; stiff board inside for certificates |
Don't pay extra for air
Couriers charge for the bigger of actual weight and volumetric weight (L × B × H in cm ÷ 5000 for most). A 1 kg item in a 40 × 30 × 20 cm box is billed as 5 kg. Pick the smallest box that fits, or a mailer for soft items. Full explanation: volumetric weight explained. Check the price for your route on the rate calculator.
What you shouldn't pack
Firecrackers, flammables, aerosols, perfumes (often), loose batteries and power banks, cash and jewellery (usually not covered). India Post's prohibited articles list is the official reference; private couriers have similar rules. Sending abroad? See send a parcel abroad from India.
Parcel kaise pack karein? (Hinglish)
- Mazboot naya box lijiye — item se thoda hi bada.
- Item ko bubble wrap karein, chaaron taraf cushioning bharein.
- Hila kar dekhiye — andar kuch hile to aur bharein.
- H shape mein tape lagaiye (upar aur neeche).
- Label par poora pata, PIN code aur phone likhiye. Packed box ki photo le lijiye.
- Chhota box = kam charge (volumetric weight).
FAQ
Will the courier pack my parcel for me?
Many counters sell boxes and packing for a fee, and some offer packing services. Check the price — packing it yourself is usually cheaper.
Should I write "Fragile" on the box?
Yes, for breakable items — but it's not a guarantee. Good cushioning is what actually protects it.
Can I reuse an old box?
Only if it's still rigid with no tears or crushed corners. Remove or cover all old labels and barcodes, or it may be routed to the old address.